2006 Pontiac G6

Crash Test Safety Ratings

CarComplaints.com Seal Of Avoid Like The Plague

CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2006 Pontiac G6 has major problems with two areas fairly critical to the act of driving... steering & safety.

The 2006 G6 has a major defect trend with electronic power-assisted steering failure. The power steering cuts out while driving, making it extremely difficult to steer. G6 owners typically report spending $600 - $1,200+ to fix the problem, replacing either the entire steering column or the power assist motor.

In March 2010, GM recalled 1.3 million vehicles for this exact problem "...after receiving 1,100 complaints of power steering failures." However the 2006 G6 wasn't included in that recall.

In July 2010, GM issued a "Special Coverage Adjustment" — TSB #10183 — covering "certain" (not all) 2005, 2006 & 2008 Pontiac G6's for this power steering issue, up to 10 years/100k miles. However a large number of 2006 G6 owners have reported they were not covered by this campaign, based on VIN#.

As of late 2013 the NHTSA had well over 700 steering complaints on file for the 2006 G6, with 21 crashes & 12 injuries. The NHTSA closed their initial investigation in 2007, having determined that losing your power steering going over 15-20 mph isn't a big deal & that most crashes occurred at slow speeds, so not a safety risk. Ridiculous? Yep, we think so too.

The 2006 G6 also has an expensive problem with "popping" or "clunking" noises when turning, & that issue extends to newer model years as well.

Factor in the 2006 Pontiac G6's poor side impact protection & you end up with a vehicle you should steer clear of.

Collapse Safety Ratings

NCAP 5-Star Crash Test & Rollover Safety Ratings

Driver FrontPassenger FrontDriver SidePassenger SideRollover
2006 G6 2-DR.*****************not tested
NCAP videos are in WMV format.
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2006 G6 4-DR w/SAB*******************not tested
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IIHS Crash Test & Rollover Safety Ratings

Good Acceptable Marginal Poor

2006 Pontiac G6 2-door convertible

Moderate Overlap FrontSmall Overlap DriverSmall Overlap PassengerSideRear1Rollover
A Overall
G Structure
G Head/Neck Injury
G Chest Injury
G Left Leg Injury
M Right Leg Injury
P Restraints
Full IIHS Moderate Overlap Crash Test report »
Not tested. Not tested. Not tested. M Overall
G Geometry
M Dynamic
Full IIHS Rear Impact Crash Test report »
Not tested.

1 — Manual cloth seats.

Good Acceptable Marginal Poor

2006 Pontiac G6 4-door sedan

Moderate Overlap FrontSmall Overlap DriverSmall Overlap PassengerSide1Rear2Rollover
G Overall
G Structure
G Head/Neck Injury
G Chest Injury
G Left Leg Injury
M Right Leg Injury
G Restraints
Full IIHS Moderate Overlap Crash Test report »
Not tested. Not tested. A Overall
M Structure
Driver
G Head Protection
G Head/Neck Injury
G Torso Injury
G Pelvis/Legs Injury
Rear Passenger
G Head Protection
G Head/Neck Injury
M Torso Injury
G Pelvis/Legs Injury
Full IIHS Side Impact Crash Test report »
M Overall
G Geometry
M Dynamic
Full IIHS Rear Impact Crash Test report »
Not tested.

1 — With optional side airbags. Applies only to models built after June 2005. With optional side airbags

2 — Manual cloth seats.

Ratings only apply to the model and body or seat type tested. The date of manufacture and optional safety equipment can affect results. For full details see www.iihs.org.

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